The court heard how he made the women believe he was investing in their savings. One of the women, his aunt, a dementia sufferer, was left £10,000 overdrawn.

It is believed the former RAF flight commander spent some of the money on jewellery and an expensive car.

The defence barrister John Wyn Williams told the judge it was a tragic day for Maxwell and his family. Counsel said: ”He stands before you a broken man. From his high achievements in life he’s spiralled down to the bottom.”